AWWA WQTC65765

The objectives of this research were to characterize adsorbent, adsorbate, and solution characteristics that affect the adsorptive removal of two antimicrobial compound probes from drinking water sources. For the antimicrobial compounds sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and trimethoprim (TMP), single-solute adsorption isotherm data were collected with one coconut-shell-based (CC-602, this carbon now carries the name AC-1230C) and two coal-based (F600, UC-830) activated carbons, one carbonaceous resin (Ambersorb 563) and four high-silica zeolites with different pore sizes (silicalite, mordenite, beta, Y). Isotherm experiments were completed in buffered ultrapure water (UPW) at pH values that were at least two units above and below the compounds' pK_a (5.6 for SMX, 7.1 for TMP). To determine the effects of co-adsorbing NOM on adsorption capacities, additional isotherm experiments were completed with Tar River water (TRW; Greenville, NC; TOC = 6.1 mg/L; pH ~7.4) and Lake Mead water (LMW; Boulder City, NV; TOC = 2.5 mg/L; pH ~8.2) at ambient pH values. Some SMX adsorption isotherm experiments in natural water were also completed at pH 3.6. Includes 8 references, tables, figures.